Luke Humphries produces blockbuster checkout to avert Joyce scare as Ryan Searle sends Ross Smith packing
PDC
Luke Humphries emphatically took down Ryan Joyce after being on the edge of defeat at the Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp.
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The World Number One took out a blockbuster 149 with Joyce waiting on 81 after nine darts for a superb win. But never count out 'Cool Hand Luke' as he produced the goods when it mattered most.
Joyce sealed three legs on the spin going 3-1 up with a 120 checkout setting him up in the ascendancy. Humphries continued to miss doubles but finally made it 3-2 hitting double two.
Joyce missed three darts at double 14 and Humphries levelled up at 3-3. Both hit 180's to leave 81 but 'Cool Hand Luke' missed the first chance allowing Joyce to regain the lead at 4-3. A 112 checkout though for Humphries made it 4-4.
A 74 checkout for Humphries saw him regain the lead for the first time since the start of the match going 5-4 up. But he missed a match dart from 76 and Joyce hit double 18 to send it the distance. Joyce was sat on 81 for the match and Humphries pummelled in a fantastic 149 checkout to seal the win.
Whilst Ryan Searle sent Ross Smith packing in a superb display from 'Heavy Metal' who will return for the final session like Humphries later on.
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An 87 checkout on double 18 opened Searle's account. Smith soon followed up to hold throw and make it 1-1. Searle broke though hitting 105 to make it 3-1.
Searle missed 104 for a 4-1 lead but Smith didn't get a shot at 107 only setting it up allowing 'Heavy Metal' back to go two away. Searle sat on 104 to go one away leaving Smith needing 140 but he missed double 10.
Searle though couldn't get a shot and Smith returned for 4-2. But Searle went to the brink with a 76 checkout to make it 5-2. Smith held in there at 5-3 but it was Searle's throw for the win following that.
Searle was sat on 128 for the win but Smith laid up 54 from 139 which saw the pressure toll on 'Heavy Metal'. But the pressure also got to Smith who missed two darts to remain in the tie and Searle sealed the win on double 20.
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Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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